Betty Jo Heitz's Obituary
Betty Jo Heitz, 96, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Decatur, IL.
She was born in Frankfort, KY, on March 18, 1930, to the late Joel Lee Koger and Lytha Mae Alexander Koger. She owned and operated BJ’s Lounge for over twenty years where her brothers performed as “The Allen Brothers Band”, and her sisters as “The Family Addition”.
Betty was an avid reader and music lover. She enjoyed spending time with her friends at The Lexington, where she was known as ‘Miss BJ’. More than anything, she loved her family, who will dearly miss her.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by: two sons, Michael and RJ; three daughters, Connie, Beverly, and Karen; three brothers, Rusty, Jack, and Bob; one sister, Patty; one granddaughter, Gina; and one great-grandson, Dalton.
Those surviving include: one daughter, Vicki (Tony) Stepney; two sisters, Carolyn Ross and Shirley Jennings; special son-in-law, Jerry (Judy) Harwick; nine grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
The family would like to give special thanks to Betty’s caregivers, Mary and Sweet Mary, for their time and care, and to her Guardian Angel CNA, Lulu, for the love and peace of mind.
Funeral Service for Betty Jo Heitz will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 10:00 AM, with burial to follow in North Fork Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
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